Empowering APAC Filmmakers: Netflix Hosts Emerging Creators at Creative Asia Forum, BIFF 2024

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The first-ever Creative Asia Forum took place during the 2024 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) this week, gathering over 130 emerging filmmakers from across Asia. This unique event connected rising talents from the festival with some of the leading creative figures in the APAC region. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in masterclass discussions with renowned creators and engage in workshops hosted by Netflix’s content and production teams.

The Forum also marked a significant partnership between Netflix and BIFF. Chief Programmer Nam Dong-chul opened the event with an inspiring message, expressing his hopes for the future of Asian cinema. He stated, "I hope that we get to hear voices that we've never heard before, hear stories that have never been told before, and pave the way for new films and stories to find their voice. I truly hope that forums like this will continue to prosper, so that it will serve as a great opportunity for us to discover new talent and new voices and new storytellers."

Highlighting the importance of collaboration across the region, Minyoung Kim, Netflix’s VP of Content for APAC (excluding India), delivered a keynote address. She praised the creative potential of Asia Pacific, noting that APAC has the capacity to become a content powerhouse similar to Hollywood. "When we collaborate as an overall region, I believe that APAC as a content hub has potential comparable to Hollywood. Talent from different countries can come together and create their own unique take on a story," Kim remarked. She emphasized Netflix’s existing infrastructure in various markets across the region, saying, "Whether it's above the line or below the line, we believe that we can bring together the strengths of different countries so that greater creative visions can come to life, and we can tell great stories."

The Creative Asia Forum provided a platform for new voices in the region to connect, share ideas, and gain insight from established leaders, setting the stage for future innovation and storytelling in the APAC film industry.